Spring/Summer 2011 - Fisher College

I’m from Shrewsbury, Massachusetts and live in Boston’s BackBay. I am the Women’s Shoe Buyer for Karmaloop.com,a global giant in street wear and urban and contemporaryculture. It’s an online re-seller of name brand undergroundfashion. We constantly evolve and keep customers motivatedto buy, even in a recession. Karmaloop is an internationallyrecognized brand and has the absolute edge on trendsand popularity.Joe Farese ‘09IfShoetheFitsWhile a student at Fisher I worked part-time for another onlineretailerbased in Boston, Lunaboston.com, that specializedin designer handbags, shoes, and accessories. That jobprepared me for my position at Karmaloop – and anything tocome in the future. In the summer of 2006, I worked as a salesintern for L.A.M.B. in New York City, the brand of rocker andfashion icon Gwen Stefani. (Working with Gwen on a fashionshow can’t really be considered “work,” though!)Joe Farese ‘09While at Fisher, my mentor and strongest influence, withoutquestion, was Professor Teresa Howe. I worked with her veryclosely on my class year’s fashion show. She was open-mindedand listened to her students. Most important, she was not afraidto evolve with and embrace the future of fashion. I considerher a fashion icon. Another icon who has influenced me isAlexander McQueen. I have been an avid follower andcollector of his ready-to-wear and accessories for years.I don’t have a lot of downtime, but I do have a secret passionfor role-playing video games. I’m obsessed with the Final Fantasyvideo game franchise. I am a geek at heart!In all seriousness, buying is a lifestyle, not a 9-to-5 job. When Iam not in the office, I am shopping online for myself, reading shoeblogs, or meeting with brand representatives for dinner meetings.Editor: Thank you to all Fashion alumni who shared theirthoughts about Professor Terry Howe. Like Joe, JaidDeVencenzo ’94 captured the sentiment perfectly, writing,“You are my favorite teacher of all time. You made such animpact on my life and career. I think of you often and amso happy you get to enjoy your time a little more selfishly –you deserve it! And I must say – you haven’t changed a bit!You look amazing! Congratulations on your retirement.”6www.fisher.edu/alumni